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Peruvian Retirement Visa

Peruvian Retirement Visa

A Guide to Peruvian Visas

Part 7

Foreigners, who receive a state or private pension including social security pension, government pension, employment related pension, union pension, disability pension, etc., so lifetime annuities, other lifelong benefits or a permanent income for the rest of their life from royalties or dividends of at least US$ 1000 per month or the equivalent in any other currency can apply for a permanent residency in Peru called Rentista visa.

Be aware that rental income, income generated from remote / freelance work, capital gains, interests, etc. are not considered permanent income. To fulfill the requirement you must prove that you receive at least US$ 1000 per month "indefinitely", so for the rest of your life.

Additionally, you should know that you are not allowed to work or receive a remuneration for any kind of professional activity in Peru when living in the country on a retirement visa.

Content overview

 

Legal background for a retirement visa application in Peru

Where to apply for a retirement visa

Officially, you can apply for a retirement visa if you are still outside Peru or if you are already in the country, for example, as a tourist.

However, while for decades Peruvian consulates abroad handled residence visa applications from giving information and handing out the right forms to fill in, to accepting the application and, if approved, issuing the residence visa, since August 2021, the Peruvian diplomatic missions abroad only handle tourist and business visa applications and refer foreigners, who want to apply for a residence visa, to Migraciones in Peru.

So, foreigners, who can enter the country visa-free (so, who don’t have to apply for a “real” tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate), should come to Peru as a tourist and then change their immigration status - make a so called Cambio de calidad migratoria (as opposed to a Solicitud de calidad migratoria if you apply from outside Peru) - at Migraciones.

Those foreigners, who cannot enter Peru visa-free (so, who must apply for a “real” tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate), officially must apply for residency from outside Peru; a complicated, lengthy, and sometimes frustrating process. We explain in detail how it’s done in our article “Peruvian residence visa application from abroad”.

Foreign nationals, who want to apply for a residence visa in Peru (for example because they are married to a Peruvian, found work in Peru, want to ...

Important laws and regulations

For foreigners planning to stay longer in Peru and to apply for a resident visa, the most important laws and regulations are the Decreto Legislativo 1350, the "old" Foreigner Law, the Decreto Legislativo 1582, the modification of the Foreigner Law, which both only stipulate general rules, as well as the Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN from 2021 and the TUPA (last updated October 22, 2023). Helpful as well is to check out the Peruvian government website. All these documents are, of course, in Spanish.

While below, under "Requirements for a retirement visa application in Peru" you find the necessary documents described in English, the official list of requirements (in Spanish) can be found, for example, in the Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN on page 46 in article 92-B “Procedimiento administrativo de cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente”. As the TUPA is always the more current official document, which contains slight changes compared to the Decreto Supremo, we recommend to use it when looking for the most current official information about the requirements in Spanish. You find the information on page 184, which is page 187 of the PDF.

 

Requirements for a retirement visa application in Peru

Below you find the requirements to apply for a retirement visa, accurately to make a so-called "Cambio de calidad migratoria" (change of immigration status) in Peru.

Please be aware that Migraciones has the right to request other and/or additional documents at any time.

Required documents to apply for a retirement visa include:

  • Passport
  • Clean criminal record (Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales) from your home country or from the country where you legally lived (so with a resident visa) during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru (1) + (2) + (3)
  • Letter / confirmation from your pension fund or social security stating that you receive a monthly income of at least US$ 1000 or the equivalent in any other currency. (3) + (4)
  • Sworn statement stating that your pension enters Peru through the banking system (5)
  • Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07568; concept Cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente, S/ 161.40 since October 22, 2023)
  • (Interpol clearance - Ficha de canje internacional not older than 6 months) (6)
  • "Recibo", so a water or electricity bill showing your address (doesn't have to be in your name)

Explanatory notes for the requirements:

First of all, be aware that documents have an "expiration" date in Peru. If not stated otherwise:

  • Documents issued in Peru are usually only accepted when they were issued a maximum of 3 months prior to being submitted.
  • Documents issued outside Peru are usually only accepted when they were issued not more than 6 months prior to being submitted.

(1) As we get many question about the “Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales” we dedicated a separate article to the topic where we explain in detail what kind of document you need, where you get it and what to watch out for when applying for it.

One of the requirements to apply for a resident visa in Peru or to change your visa type, for example from a work visa to a permanent resident visa...

(2) That's the official requirement. However, Migraciones always requests the criminal record check from your home country. And, if they are made aware of the fact that you lived in another country during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru, sometimes additionally a check from this country.

(3) All foreign documents need an Apostille or, if the country in which they were issued, didn't sign the Apostille Convention have to be legalized by a Peruvian consulate abroad. Once in Peru, the document has to be translated into Spanish and in some cases legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE).

(4) Before (!!!) leaving your home country request the document from your pension fund or social security and get it apostilled if your country signed the Apostille Convention; otherwise, it has to be legalized by different authorities in your home country and the Peruvian consulate. The problem with both processes is that the letter needs an official signature to be apostilled or legalized. As most pension statements are generated automatically, they are usually not signed. So, it might be quite a mission in your home country to get it signed. US nationals, who get social security payments, can request a so-called "signed benefit verification letter for Apostille or authentication purposes" from the US Social Security Administration.

(5) With this sworn statement, you don't affirm that your pension payments are directly deposited into a Peruvian bank account, but that the money you need to live in Peru is "legally brought" into the country using official channels. So, you won't have any problem, for example, withdrawing funds from a foreign account using an ATM or having your pension deposited in an account in your home country and then transferring it to a Peruvian account (which you only get when you have your carné).

Furthermore, even though still on the requirement list, be aware that since the beginning of 2024, the corresponding field on the Agencia Digital, where you had to upload the sworn statement is gone. To avoid any problems or delays, best make one PDF of the letter from your pension fund and the sworn statement and upload it under the Documentos Especificos tab as explained below.

(6) In 2023, it was ruled that presenting the Ficha de canje from Interpol is an illegal and unnecessary bureaucratic barrier for retirment visa applicants. Even though the Ficha de canje is still listed as a requirement for a retirement visa application on the Peruvian government website and in the TUPA, since the beginning of 2024, the corresponding field on the Agencia Digital, where you had to upload the document before, is gone. So, you can’t submit the Ficha de canje anymore. However, be aware that Migraciones always has the right to ask for additional documents and in some rare cases over the past months requested that an applicant uploads the Ficha additionally.

Applying for a retirement visa is a simple and straightforward process, but might be a little confusing here and there if you are not familiar with the process and the steps involved. Please see our step-by-step guide below, which should enable you to start and finish this little endeavor on your own, as general guidance only as requirements and processes change quickly. At least basic Spanish skills are required to fill in forms and understand instructions.

 

 Last steps before your retirement visa application in Peru

Hopefully, you brought the letter from your pension fund or social security as well as the criminal record check already apostilled or legalized - see requirements and (1), (2), (3) and (4) above.

Translation of foreign documents

Once in Peru, all documents issued abroad that are in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish. Even though officially no longer required and a simple translation should be enough (see Decreto Legislativo 1272 about simplified administration procedures) we highly recommend to use a certified translator in Peru, a so-called traductor publico juramentado. You find lists of these government-approved translators on the Peruvian government website. Just click under point 3 on the language of your original document and the list of translators for your language appears.

If your documents have an Apostille and were translated by one of the certified translators on the list according to the above mentioned Decreto Legislativo Migraciones should accept them without problems. However, most translators are still recommending an additional legalization of the translation by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE), as sometimes Migraciones doesn't apply the simplified administration procedures, rejects documents without the additional RREE legalization and explicitly asks the applicant to upload the apostilled and translated foreign documents this time with another legalization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or a RREE branch in the provinces.

So, if you want to skip the additional legalization by RREE, we highly recommend to keep an eye on your Migraciones electronic mailbox for notifications from Migraciones (see below).

If your documents aren't apostilled but legalized, they must be legalized again after the translation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or a RREE branch in the provinces.

Paying the application fee

Once you have all your documents documents together, pay the fee of S/ 161.40 for the Migraciones administrative procedure “Cambio de Calidad Migratoria” under code 07568 with concepto "Rentista residente". Our article "Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru" explains in detail where and how you can pay.

All administration charges, processing fees and fines government agencies, public authorities and entities levy in Peru have to be paid at the Banc...

Last preparations

And last but not least, download the sworn statement and fill it in. Please be aware: If you are in Peru as a tourist you can only legally sign a document in Peru after you were issued a Permit to sign contracts. You can apply for the permit on the Agencia Digital quickly and easily. Our article "Permit to sign contracts (Permiso especial para firmar contratos) in Peru" explains in detail how it's done.

If foreign visitors, who are in Peru as a tourist, or temporary visa holders who haven't applied for a CTM, need to sign a legally binding document...

So, first get the permit, then sign the sworn statement.

Then make PDFs from your passport (page with your personal data), and from all other required documents (max size per document 3MB).

Finally, the time has come to apply for your retirement visa. Be aware that in case you need to leave the country during the processing time of your retirement visa application you have to apply for a special travel permit (Permiso especial de viaje, officially as well called Autorización de estadía fuera del país) before you leave the country, otherwise your application is null and void.

Foreigners in Peru who applied for a visa - to be precise who applied for a change of their immigration status (cambio de calidad migratoria) or a ...

 

Step-by-step guide to apply for a retirement visa in Peru

One remark before we start: The Agencia Digital, the online platform, where you have to submit your application, is in Spanish only. We highly recommend not to use a translation program which automatically translates the page from Spanish to your preferred language to avoid system errors. And to avoid further system errors, we highly recommend not to use a VPN and to switch off any ad blockers or an incognito mode you might use.

And even though we try to keep this guide as up-to-date as possible, due to constant changes to the Agencia Digital not everything might be exactly as described below. So, please see this guide as general guidance only. If you find mistakes or some changes to the process described below, you are more than welcome to share your experience below as a comment (visible to everyone after approval) or to use the e-mail button on the bottom of the page to send a private e-mail.

Migraciones Agencia Digital

Once you have done all the preparation work, open the Migraciones Agencia Digital and click on Entrar.

On the next page, select "Extranjero". Then fill in the following fields:

  • Tipo de documento: choose in the drop-down menu the document with which you entered Peru (most probably passport)
  • Numero de documento: enter your passport number
  • Fecha de nacimiento: enter your birthdate (click on the little calendar; to choose the year: click on the down arrow next to the date, then, if necessary, click on the less-than-sign and choose the year; afterwards select the month and the day).
  • Nacionalidad: select your nationality in the drop-down menu (be aware that the nationalities are in Spanish; so, you won't find United Stated or US and must select EE.UU; or you won't find UK and must choose Gran Bretaña (or Inglaterra or Escocia); or no Netherlands but Paises Bajos, no Germany but Alemania, etc.)
  • Ultimo movimiento migratorio de entrada: click on the calendar and choose the date you entered Peru
  • Codigo Captcha: just enter the captcha.

Click on Verificar. You are now on the main page of the Agencia Digital.

No matter which forms you fill out in Peru, always enter your personal data exactly (!!!) as in your passport!

Register your personal data in the Migraciones database

Before you start your visa application, you first should register your personal data in the Migraciones database.

In the menu on the left find the point “Actualizacion de Datos”. It’s usually quite at the bottom. Click on it and you should be re-directed to the Sistema de Actualizacion de Datos page.

Please note: Some of our readers commented that if they click on the “Actualizacion de Datos” menu point an error message pops up and they can’t get to the correct page to fill in their data. It seems that Migraciones once again is in the process of changing some procedures and forms. So, if you get the error message, just continue with your visa application as explained below.

If you are re-directed you should automatically be on the "Actualicación de Datos Extranjero" page.  Here fill in your nationality, select the document with which you entered Peru (most probably passport), enter your passport number, and your birth date, select your sex and enter the captcha. Then you get to a quite extensive questionnaire.

Be aware that you only have 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire and once you started you must finish it within this time otherwise all your progress is gone and you have to start from scratch. The questions are quite unorganized and partly a bit strange, so to give you an idea what questions you have to answer and might need to prepare for here an overview:

In the first two categories, you have to fill in your personal data including full name (as in your passport!), document with which you entered Peru, document number, sex, marital status, country of birth, if you have a criminal, police or judicial record, if you are pregnant.

The third category asks for your address in Peru, your e-mail address, cell phone number and landline phone number. Here you as well should have to upload the "recibo", so a water or electricity bill showing your address (doesn't have to be in your name).

Then you are asked for the information of an emergency contact, including ID, name and e-mail of your emergency contact. This is followed by questions about your employment situation and where you were born (continent, country, town).

In the next category, you have to enter your hair and eye color, height in meters, weight in kilograms, religion, marital status, date of marriage, vaccinations and if you have a disability or disease. You are then asked if you arrived in Peru alone or if someone was accompanying you. If so, enter the personal data (passport number, name, last name, birthdate) of that person. Now you are asked if you have lived in other countries previously and in which country before coming to Peru, when you last entered Peru, how you came to Peru (plane, bus, car).

The last questions check your living conditions (are you living in a house, number of rooms, accommodation connected to water, sewage, electricity, and internet), ask for some financial info (if you have a bank account in Peru; if you have taken out a loan in Peru; if you have a bank account in another country; if you hold shares in a company in Peru) and want to know if you have a car and a driver’s license in Peru or another country.

As soon as you have completed the last page of the questionnaire, the system accepts all your answers, and you are registered. Now, return to the main page of the Agencia Digital.

1st page of the retirement visa application

On the main page of the Agencia Digital you can either use the search field or find in the menu on the left under “Cambio de calidad migratoria” the point "Rentista Residente". Click on it and you get to the first page of the actual visa application.

Here, select the Migraciones branch or MAC center closest to you which should handle your application (for example, Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, …).

Click on Siguente.

2nd page of the retirement visa application

On this page you must fill in some data and/or upload all for the retirement visa application necessary documents as PDF (max size per document 3MB).

Those who just want to verify the requirements or double check if the requirements have changed can do so on this page. Then just click through the tabs but do not upload any documents and do not click on Siguente; once you finished just leave the page.

To continue with your retirement visa application, click on the little arrows next to each requirement, and certain fields appear depending on the requirement. Just fill in the fields as requested and upload the corresponding document:

Under “Pago por derecho de tramite” you are asked to enter certain information of the bank receipt:

  • numero de recibo (number of the receipt) which is the "secuencia de pago" on the pagalo.pe receipt
  • codigo de verficación (verification code) which is the "codigo control" on the pagalo.pe receipt
  • fecha de recibo (date) which is the "fecha de operación" on the pagalo.pe receipt.

After entering the data, click on Validar.

Under the "Documento de identificación del administrado" tab, select the document with which you entered Peru (in most cases passport). You are then asked to fill in your passport number, the date of issue and the country of issue and upload a copy of the passport page with your photo and personal data.

Since the beginning of 2024, under the "Ficha de Canje Interpol" tab you only must upload your criminal record check you brought from home.

The “Exceso de permanencia” (excess stay) tab already has a green check in front of it, at least if you apply when your stay in Peru is still valid. Nothing to do here, just skip this point.

If you, however, apply when your stay as a tourist is expired, open the tab and you should be able to upload the payment receipt for your overstayed days and a sworn statement explaining the reasons for your overstay. Once these two documents are uploaded the check in front of the tab should turn green. Before counting on this option please read our chapter Can I apply for a retirement visa when my stay as a tourist is expired? below.

Under the last tab, the "Documentos Especificos" you must upload the letter from your pension fund. As the sworn statement is still on the official requirement list and had to be uploaded under this tab as well under a different point, which is gone since the beginning of 2024, I recommend to merge both documents and upload this as one PDF.

Once you filled in all required fields and uploaded all your documents, there should be a green check in front of each tab. Accept the terms and conditions and click on Siguiente.

3rd page of the retirement visa application

You then get to a page showing the fields of a document called Form PA - Cambio de Calidad Migratoria. If you are already registered the form is already filled in with your personal data. The only fields you can change are your cell phone number and your e-mail address. If you, however, haven't entered your personal data before, just fill in the required fields. Make sure you enter an e-mail address you have unrestricetd access to. If everything is correct, click on “Guardar datos y generar tramite” (Save data and generate procedure).

Please note: For whatever reasons, sometimes this page isn't displayed.

4th page of the retirement visa application

You now get the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" and a number displayed on your screen.

First of all save this number! It's your Numero de expediente (file number), which sometimes is also called Numero de tramite. It consists of 2 letters (usually some abbreviation of the Migraciones office where you applied; LM for Lima, for example; or CY for Chiclayo, etc.) and 9 numbers

Then click on the "Descargar" and/or "Imprimir" button to download and/or print the complete document. This "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" document is the confirmation of your successful application. Keep it safe!!!

At the top right of the downloaded document under the bar code you again find your Numero de expediente (file number). At the bottom of the first page, under the signature / fingerprint field, the Fecha de publicacion (application date) and a Codigo de verificacion (verification code) are shown.

If you later want to check the status of your application online, which can be done here or if you, for example, want to apply for a travel permit to leave the country while the approval of your application is still in process, you will need these numbers / codes.

Additionally, at the bottom of the first page you as well find your login data for the Migraciones electronic mailbox, called Buzon electronico (see below).

Please note:

A few of our readers commented that they couldn’t find the verification code and/or the login data for the electronic mailbox on the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria page. So, before continuing check the Registro page carefully and look for the verification code and the login data. If they aren't there, once you make the appointment for the biometric data, you find a tab on your screen labeled "Cargo tramite". If you click on it, your verification code and your login data should be displayed. If you missed that as well, then once you made the appointment you can download the Formulario PA - Cambio de calidad migratoria under the Historial tramite menu point, which hopefully has the verification code and the login data printed on it.

If you still weren't successful or just misplaced/forgot your login details for the Buzon electronico, there is another easy option to recover at least the access to the Buzon electronico: Just enter the Agencia Digital and on the main page at the top click on the Buzon Electronico button or use this direct link. Then click on "¿Olvidaste la contraseña?" and you get to the "Verificacion de Datos" page. Here enter your nationality, passport, passport number, last name(s), first name(s) and your birthdate. After submitting your information by clicking on Siguiente, you get an e-mail with the "usario" and a link to reset or create a password.

 

Biometric data appointment

Following the confirmation of your visa application you are asked to make an appointment for having your biometric data (photo, fingerprints, signature) taken with a provided code. This code is your numero de expediente (numero de tramite).

As waiting times sometimes can be long, especially in Lima, we suggest following provided link and make the appointment immediately. If you want to make it at a later time, you can enter the Agencia Digital and make an appointment under "Citas en Linea", subpoint "para registro de datos biometricos".

So, just enter your numero de expediente (numero de tramite) and select a free date. If everything works smoothly, you have an appointment. Download and print your appointment confirmation (Constancia de cita electronica).

On the day of your biometric data appointment, be at the Migraciones office you selected when making the appointment 15 - 30 minutes before your appointment. You will only need your printed (!) appointment confirmation and your passport.

The process varies a bit depending on the office. At the Lima Migraciones office, for example, you get a ticket with a number on it. Then just join the line and wait until your number is shown on the screen. When it's your turn proceed to the counter where you have to sign on a signature pad, you are digitally fingerprinted and a biometric photo is taken.

Do not wear a white shirt or a top in light or pastel color! Migraciones might refuse to take your photo. Best wear a simple black shirt or something in a dark or strong color.

There were times when the process at the Migraciones office in Lima was quick and astonishingly well organized and you were done in less than half an hour. However, over the past few months some foreigners reported that their appointment time wasn't respected and they had to wait for anything between one and three hours until they made it to the counter where the process was quick and smooth. So, plan accordingly.

At the Migraciones offices in the provinces, the whole process is usually quick and painless.

After your biometric data appointment, all you can do is check your Buzon electronico regularly and wait until you get a notification from Migraciones either telling you that they aren't happy with a document you uploaded or that a document is missing or that your visa is approved.

 

Buzon Electronico

The Buzon Electronico is your personal Migraciones electronic mailbox, which you should check regularly for notifications from Migraciones (for example, request to upload missing or additional documents, approval or denial of your visa application, etc.).

You can access your Buzon by clicking on the "Buzon" button on the top of the main page of the Agencia Digital or by using this direct link. The username (usario) and password (contraseña) should be on the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria", the confirmation of your successful application (see above under 4th page, especially if you can't find your login data).

Be aware that notifications sent via the Buzon are considered "officially delivered". If you don't react to a deadline Migraciones usually gives in these notifications (in most cases only 5 days), your application can be dismissed. So, if you get a notification from Migraciones informing you that you haven’t uploaded a required document, that an uploaded document isn’t to their liking or they want an additional document, don’t waste any time.

If you have the document, make a PDF of it (max size 3MB) and upload it on the Agencia Digital. How this so-called Subsanación is done, is explained in our article “Subsanacion - Submitting documents”.

During the internal evaluation and approval process of any application on the Agencia Digital, Migraciones may discover that you haven’t uploaded a...

If you don’t have the document yet and won’t be able to submit it within the deadline, you still have to react and can apply for an extension of time to hand in the document later. The process is called “Solicitud de ampliación de plazos” and explained in our article "Extension of a Migraciones deadline".

During the internal evaluation and approval process of your visa application (Cambio de calidad migratoria) or of the application for the extension...

 

Approval of your retirement visa

Officially the processing time of residence visa applications is 30 business days. However, according to feedback we got from our readers, it usually takes around two to three months until you get a notification from Migraciones in your Buzon with the official resolution that your visa was approved.

Nevertheless, check your Buzon regularly as you might belong to the lucky ones that get their approval within three or four weeks after application. On the other hand, in case you haven't heard anything from Migraciones 4 months after your application, you should check with them what's going on.

Anyway, usually, after 2 or 3 months you find a notification in your Buzon electronico (the subjection line should be something like "Notificación tramite cambio de calidad") informing you about the approval of your visa.

Congrats, but we are not finished yet. You still need your carné, your official Peruvian ID.

This first notification states to wait for further instructions on how to pick up your carné. So, once again check your Buzon regularly and wait for a second notification from Migraciones (Notificación expedición del carné) informing you that your carné was issued.

Officially Migraciones has another 30 business days counted from the approval of the visa to send the expedición del carné notification. However, some of our readers shared that they had to wait only a couple of days, others three or four weeks, and a few even 2 months.

 

Getting your carné (foreigner ID)

As soon as you got the official notification that your carné is ready, get going. 

Be aware that in some Migraciones offices you need an appointment to pick up your carné while at others, especially in the provinces, no appointment is needed and you can just show up any time, any day or at a specific day and/or time. Please check with the Migraciones office where you applied. 

If you need an appointment, then just enter the Agencia Digital. On the main page in the left menu under "Citas en linea", subpoint "para recojo de documentos" make an appointment to pick up your carné. Once again, download and print the confirmation and keep it safe.

Please note: Especially in Lima it can be a mission to get an appointment to pick up your carné. Your only option is to try again and again and again, tomorrow, the day after, a week later, ... You could also try to change the Migraciones office, where you want to pick up your carné, and see if there appointments are available.

If, for whatever reasons, you urgently need your carné number or something to prove that you have a carné, but can't get an appointment to pick it up, you can download a document on the Agencia Digital confirming that you have a valid carné despite not having the actual card in your hands yet. On the main page of the Agencia Digital in the left menu, click under "Constancias" on the point "Carné de extranjería". You get a page with the data that is printed on your carné. Below just confirm "Estos son los datos con los cuales se emitirá su constancia ...." by clicking on the little square and click Siguiente. Now, the "Constancia de Emisión de carné de Extranjería" is displayed on your screen.Just download it and, if necessary, print it and you have proof that you have a carné and are legally in the country.

Anyway, to pick up your carné you need your passport. If you have an appointment you as well must bring your printed (!!!) appointment confirmation. Best be at the Migraciones office 15-30 minutes before. Migraciones personal will point you in the right direction where you are handed your carné.

Congratulations! You made it!

To familiarize yourself with your carné we highly recommend to read our glossary article Carné de Extranjería - Peru’s ID Card for foreigners.

 

Things you should know living in Peru on a retirement visa

The retirement visa (so the residence permit) has an indefinite validity and does not have to be extended. However, be aware that the carné (so, the foreigner ID card) is usually only valid for four years and then has to be renewed. Our article "Renewal of the carné" explains how it's done.

When your Peruvian residence visa is approved, you get the Carné de Extranjería, your Peruvian foreigner ID. The carné, so the card (not the reside...

Foreigners living in Peru on a retirement visa have to be in the country at least 183 days per year, otherwise they lose their resident status. If you have to be outside the country for longer, before leaving apply for the Autorización de estadía fuera del país por 183 días, and won't lose your residence permit.

If you are living in Peru on a retirement visa, you are not allowed to work or receive a remuneration for any kind of professional activity in Peru.

Your pension payments are exempted from taxation in Peru.

If any information provided when applying for your retirement visa changes, Migraciones must be informed about it within 30 days. So, if you get a new passport, change your name, move to a new address, etc. you have to apply for a so-called "Actualización de datos". Be aware that, in some cases, a new carné has to be issued after the application is approved. The process is explained in our article “Update your information in the Migraciones database”.

If any of your information, which is printed on your carné or which is registered in the Migraciones database, changes, you must apply for a so-cal...

As you already have an unlimited residence permit, you can't change to the Peruvian "Permanente residente" visa.

And finally, if you, as a foreigner living in Peru on a retirement visa, are leaving Peru permanently, you have to cancel your residence visa. Once the application is approved, you have 15 days to exit the country.

 

Other FAQs

Can I apply for a retirement visa if my stay as a tourist is expired?

Officially, no. You have to be in Peru on a valid visa / stay, for example, as a tourist to apply for any temporary or residence visa, precisely to make the Cambio de calidad migratoria.

But during the visa application on the Migraciones online platform there is a tab labeled "Exceso de permanencia" (excess stay), which suggests that foreigners who overstayed their time as a tourist in Peru can still apply for a Cambio de calidad migratoria and just have to upload a payment receipt for their overstayed days and a sworn statement explaining the reason for their overstay.

While in November 2022 Migraciones informed us in writing that this tab does not apply when you change your immigration status from tourist (!) to rentista, at the beginning of 2023 one of our readers reported that someone at Migraciones suggested this option. So, he could apply for his residence visa while being in Peru on an expired stay as a tourist. He uploaded the payment receipt for his overstay fine and a brief explanation why he couldn't apply on time (criminal record check took many months), could finish his application and a couple of months later, Migraciones approved his visa.

Hearing this, we tried to find out more. A few other foreigners in the same situation confirmed that someone at Migraciones they spoke to suggested this option, but our search for any official confirmation in writing that you can apply for a residence visa while being in Peru on an expired stay as a tourist was in vain.

As Migraciones doesn't have an e-mail address anymore where they answer such questions in writing, we called and first were told "No, you have to be in the country on a valid stay". Then when we asked the lady we were talking to more detailed questions, she seemingly quickly spoke to someone else, and then suddenly said "Yes, it is possible.", but she couldn't give us any further details. The whole call didn't really inspire confidence.

So, at the moment (September 2024) officially you still have to be in the country on a valid stay to apply and therefore we can't guarantee that it's possible to change your immigration status from tourist to rentista if you are in Peru on an expired stay as a tourist.

We always recommend to not overstay and, in case you plan to apply for a residence visa but don't have all required documents yet, instead of overstaying suggest applying for your visa before your stay as a tourist expires using a little trick. We explain how it's done below.

If for whatever reason you can't apply while your stay as a tourist is valid, it might be worth personally checking with Migraciones if you can apply despite being in the country on an expired stay before you leave the country and try to return to "renew" your stay as a tourist.

If you have any current information about this topic or would like to share your experience, please let us know either using the comment function at the end of this very long article or our contact form. Thank you!

Can I apply for a retirement visa if I don't have all the required documents?

Officially, no, you can't as on the Agencia Digital, the Migraciones online platform where you have to apply, the fields to upload the required documents are mandatory and you can't continue with and finish your application without having uploaded all documents.

But, even though we can't and won't recommend it, if your stay as a tourist is about to expire and you must apply until a certain date, depending on the document that you don't have yet, there might be a possibility to "cheat" the system. However, you should have a solid plan to get the document as required, because the time to present it is limited. And here, how it's done.

Follow the instructions of our Step-by-step guide to apply for a retirement visa in Peru until you are on the 2nd page of the retirement visa application. Here you must fill in some data and/or upload all for the retirement visa application necessary documents as PDF.

If you don't have, for example, your criminal record check: Under the Interpol tab, you must upload your "Antecedentes" document, so the criminal record check. The field is mandatory, and you cannot continue with and finish the application without having uploaded the document. As you must upload something there, you could write a short letter explaining that you are waiting for your criminal record check from your home country and uploaded this letter instead of his background check. So, upload a "document" there that makes sense.

Or if you have the document, but not yet the Apostille or translation, you could upload the document as it is.

Then continue to upload all other required documents and finish the application process as described in our Step-by-step guide above.

On the 4th page of your retirement visa application you get the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" with the "numero de expediente" (your file number), the "fecha de publicacion" (application date) and a "codigo de verificacion" (verification code) displayed on your screen. That's the confirmation of your successful application. You made it. As soon you have this confirmation, your time as a tourist stops and even if your stay as a tourist expires during the processing time of your visa application you won't have any problem.

Now, depending how quickly Migraciones reviews your application and documents, the following happens:

As you haven't uploaded all required documents or not in the form Migraciones requires, Migraciones will send you a notification (can be as quick as a few days after your application or a month, two or three later) requesting that you upload the document. Be aware that these notifications, which are send through the Buzon electronico, are considered officially delivered. Usually, Migraciones only gives you a short deadline of 5 days to upload the requested document. You must react to the notification, even if it's on the last day of the deadline they gave you (which might be wise to do if you still need more time), otherwise your application could be dismissed.

If you have the document in the correct form when you receive the notification, just upload it. How it's done is explained in our article “Subsanacion - Submitting documents”.

During the internal evaluation and approval process of any application on the Agencia Digital, Migraciones may discover that you haven’t uploaded a...

If you still don't have the document at the end of the deadline Migraciones gave you, then you can apply for an extension of the deadline (max. 30 days). The process is called Ampliacion de plazos and explained in our article “Extensions of a Migraciones deadline”.

During the internal evaluation and approval process of your visa application (Cambio de calidad migratoria) or of the application for the extension...

In case you have the document ready before you hear from Migraciones you can upload it immediately on the Agencia Digital under Subsanacion. But we were told by others, who went through the process that they still got a notification later to upload the document again. So, best just wait until you get the official notification.

If you decide to go that route, check your Buzon regularly and, if necessary, react to any notification! And, while this "cheating" worked for many others, things might change and Migraciones could dismiss your application (which you could appeal). Anyway, be aware that it will definitely delay the approval of your visa by weeks or even months.

 

Please note: We from LimaEasy are not the Peruvian immigration authority Migraciones or a Peruvian consulate. All information is published to our best knowledge and should be seen as general guidance introducing you to Peruvian procedures. All information is subject to change, as regulations, requirements, and processes can change quickly without prior notice! Therefore, we recommend checking the current regulations with the nearest Peruvian consulate or, if you are already in Peru, with Migraciones!

And if you find something wrong on this page, please help us to keep this guide as up to date as possible and contact us either below with a comment or use our contact form. Thank you!

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    ANTHONY RAYNER · 31/12/2022
    Thank you so much for that very detailed response 22/12/2022 to my first question regarding beginning applying for the Rentista visa in Los Angele, CA. 
  • This commment is unpublished.
    ANTHONY RAYNER · 31/12/2022
    Hello,

    At the bottom of the Change of Immigration form a single fingerprint is requested.  Do I apply this fingerprint and if so, should it be a thumbprint or a specific finger? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 01/01/2023
      @ANTHONY RAYNER
      Hello Anthony,

      fill in the form and sign it and put the fingerprint of your right index finger in black (or blue) ink on it.

      Take the form with you when you pick up your carné.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Anthony · 22/12/2022
    Hello,

    I am waiting to hear back from the Peruvian consulate in Los Angeles CA. as to whether or not I can apply for a Rentista Visa at that office.  If that is not possible, I will be returning to Peru with 57 days left on my tourist visa. I will need to find an apartment (to have the info about my living condition as well as utility bill) and apply for the Visa.  In your opinion do I have enough time?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 23/12/2022
      @Anthony Hello Anthony,

      According to the website of the Peruvian consulate in Los Angeles they unfortunately only issue tourist and business visa. So, I think you will have to apply in Peru.

      Anyway, you already stayed in Peru recently, I assume 33 days? Be aware that when you left Peru the remaining days on your “authorization to enter and stay as a tourist” (as you as a US national can travel visa free to Peru you didn’t have and don’t get a real tourist visa) are automatically canceled. When you re-enter you get a new “authorization”. And it’s at the discretion of the immigration officer you have to face how many days he/she allows you to stay. You don’t have a right to get the full 90 days in a 180-day period or the full 183 days per year,

      With this being said, if you haven’t stayed in Peru the full 183 days per year, then you might get another 90 days; or only the remaining 57 days you have left in your current 180-day period; or they could give you less.

      Assuming you get at least the 57 days, I think you shouldn’t have a problem to get everything done and ready to apply before your stay as a tourist expires. But things in Peru take time and delays are common. So, while being still back home prepare everything and get organized.

      For the retirement visa you need your FBI record check with Apostille and your letter from your pension fund with Apostille from back home.

      Once in Peru get both documents translated into Spanish (and I think overlegalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

      Tricky can be getting an appointment with Interpol in Peru at least if you are in Lima. So, this can take lots of time. But you could try to make the appointment already when you are still in the US (be aware that the page doesn’t seem to load if you aren’t in Peru; but you can use a VPN set in Peru and then it usually works). If this doesn’t work and once in Peru you can’t get the appointment on time, you either could book an appointment in the provinces where they are usually readily available, or you could apply without the Interpol check (let me know if you need this option and I explain how it’s done).

      Yes, you have to upload a receipt when you fill in the “Data update questionnaire”. But this receipt doesn’t have to be in your name. If you stay, for example, at an AirBnB just ask the owner for a water or electricity bill, or, if you are already connected in Peru, ask a friend or family member. No problem. If you later move to your permanent address, the only thing you have to do is inform Migraciones about your new address. Or you might even be able to find a place within a few days or a couple of weeks. Then you just have to ask the landlord for a current “recibo”. And the rest of the questions regarding your living conditions are for statistical purposes only. So, it doesn't really matter what you fill in there.

      Overall, yes, if you are organized and stay on the ball, you can easily be able to apply within 2 months; you might even make it in 30 days .

      Wishing you nice holidays

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    John · 28/11/2022
    Hello, have you heard of any problems lately with the Agencia Digital website portal?  I tried to submit my papers last night online but it gave me an error message that the site was experiencing technical problems connecting to their servers.  When I re-tried to submit them later that evening, the 'Rentista Residente' category had completely vanished (both on the left side of the menu and when trying to perform a manual search).

    As of 11am on November 29, 2022 the category is still not appearing whatsoever on the website.  Can't be that Peru all of a sudden eliminated the rentista program altogether, has to be some sort of technical IT glitch, right?  Any suggestions on what to do now?  

    Submitting the papers online through the portal is the only current way Peru allows one to request the change of immigration status correct?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 28/11/2022
      @John Hello John,

      Sometimes the Agencia Digital has some technical issues and won’t load, doesn’t show the complete menu, etc.

      I haven’t heard that there are problems at the moment, but I just entered the Agencia and it won’t show me any option to make the “cambio de calidad migratoria” neither to rentista nor family nor any other resident visa. If I use the search function nothing comes up. So, it seems there is some sort of issue. And no, Peru didn’t eliminate the Rentista visa.

      Anyway, in case you use any translation programs, VPNs or ad blockers switch them off. These often cause system errors. Then clear your cache and browsing history and try again or try using another browser. This sometimes solves the problem. And best use the Agencia only during normal business hours; sometimes in the evening, at night or on weekends Peruvian government websites don’t work properly.

      And yes, the only way to submit your paperwork for the rentista visa application (and all other resident visa applications) is through the Agencia Digital. If by tomorrow the system still doesn’t show you the option Rentista under Cambio de calidad migratoria then you should contact Migraciones either using the Chat (at the bottom right on the Agencia Digital) or call 200-1000.

      All the best

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Malcolm · 26/11/2022
    Thank you for your excellent advice. Can I ask about the rule, that you have to stay a minimum of 183 days a year in peru with a retirement visa. Is this a calendar year Jan 1st to Dec 31st? What happens if you have to exit for some family emergency? is there a way to obtain temporary exemption.
    Also when I last entered Peru, I struggled to get the full 90 days, I had to reel of a long list of tourism sites before they said I could have it but it was the last time this year? Not sure what she meant as I was exiting in Nov 22, so not much of the year left anyway.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 26/11/2022
      @Malcolm Hello Malcom,

      Yes, if you live in Peru on a retirement visa, you have to be in Peru for 183 days, so half year, in a year. And no, it’s not per calendar year, it’s counted from the day you receive your retirement visa.

      You can leave the country whenever you want. But if you stay outside Peru for longer than half a year in a year, you lose your residency. However, if you must leave Peru for emergencies or due to force majeure for more than half a year, you can apply for a special permit, the so-called “Permiso de estadía fuera del país por 183 días calendario”. For many years, you had to submit the application for this permit before (!) you left the country. But, according to the new TUPA (page 23), you now must apply before the 183 days you are allowed to stay outside Peru are over. If you are still in Peru, you can apply for the permit on the Agencia Digital. How it works if you are already outside the country is unclear.

      Over the past weeks, I heard from quite a number of frequent Peru travelers that immigrations at the airport is extremely strict counting (and sometimes miscalculating to the detriment of the foreigner) every single day stayed before in the country and only giving the absolute minimum. Anyway, the rules are quite clear. Most foreign nationals, who don’t have to apply for a tourist visa before coming to Peru, can stay in the country as a tourist for up to (!) 90 days in a 180-day period (so up to 3 months in Peru and at least 3 months out of Peru) and a maximum of 183 days in a 365-day period (so half a year in a year). However, it’s always at the discretion of the immigration officer you have to face how many days he/she is giving you.

      And here as well the 180-day period isn't per half year from January to June or July to December and the 365-day period isn’t from January to December, but calculated from your first entry.

      So, if you entered, for example, on March 1 and got 90 days, you must have left by May 30. Your 180-day period ends on August 28. So, you shouldn't re-enter Peru before that day. Then you entered again let's say on September 1, got 90 days and must leave by November 30. You now had the maximum allowed days as a tourist per year and shouldn't re-enter before March 1 the next year.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Malcolm · 27/11/2022
      @Sunflower Thanks Eva, 
      Just one more related question if I may. While in Peru, our neighbour who holds a Polish passport was saying he is given 180 days rather than the maximum 90. He said there are rules for different countries, but I've never managed to find out where this list exists. The only reason I ask, is that I am from the UK, and have only been given 90 days maximum. However, the UK has just opened up visa free days to Peruvian nationals for up to 6 month stays in the UK, so was wondering if Peru now operate a reciprocate agreement to UK nationals?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 28/11/2022
      @Malcolm Hello Malcom,

      Yes, your neighbor is right, it depends on your nationality on how many days you can stay in Peru as a tourist. But, most nationalities, who can travel to Peru visa-free, are allowed 90 days in a 180-day period and a max of 183 days in a year. Polish nationals aren’t an exemption.

      You can find the list showing if you need a tourist visa to enter Peru or not and, if you can travel to Peru visa-free, how long you can stay on the Peruvian government website. The list was last updated in June 2022. I don’t have any information about an agreement between the UK and Peru and how this might affect the allowed days you can stay as a UK national in Peru. Probably check with Migraciones or the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

      Anyway, on page 4 of the list under “Reino Unido de Gran Bretaña e Irlanda del Norte” (or on the screenshot I attached) you see that UK nationals do not need a visa, but as the list was first introduced when the UK was about to leave the EU and back then no agreement between Peru and UK was in place, no number of days are written there. But, over the past year, travelers reported that UK nationals get as nearly everyone else 90 days in a 180-day period.

      And the same applies to Polish nationals and all other EU nationals. There you even explicitly find 90/180, meaning 90 days in a 180-day period. So, while from 2019 (when the list was first introduced) to mid-2021 you could easily still get the full 180 days, since August 2021 immigration officers most times strictly enforce the 90 days in a 180 day-period and a max of 183 days in a year rule. So, I would really love to see the entry stamp of your Polish neighbor showing that he got 180 days when he entered Peru this (!) year.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Tania · 22/11/2022
    Hi Eva,

    Thanks again for the great job you do on informing everyone with accurate up to date information. 

    As far as my situation you helped me out in 2020 when I asked questions on getting the Rentista Visa as a couple. I mentioned my father was Peruvian and you said because of that I could easily get citizenship in my home country. So I did and it was super easy and inexpensive. My Peruvian citizenship, DNI and passport all at the Peruvian consulate in San Francisco, California.

    Now on the new requirements for my husband’s Rentista Visa. I wrote you the previous comment while we were already in Peru. After doing some research on your site I found a readers experience who also landed in Peru not knowing about the new background check from your home country. He gave all the details on how to accomplish it from Peru which was great ! The biggest issue being the amount of time for the whole process which unfortunately we didn't have because of a mistake made at the airport by the immigration officer.

    The immigration officer told my husband he only had 4 days left to be in Peru which was a shock to us. We had previously entered Peru on April 11, 2022 and they gave him 90 days but we only stayed 86 days, we left Peru on July 7th 2022. Now we entered Peru on October 28th 2022 hoping for another 90 days so we dont know why she said he only had 4 days left. My husband explained he was going to get his Rentista Visa done again and needed more time. She said she would as a courtesy give him 30 days but that was it.

    We went to our hotel and got online to figure out what she was talking about. We saw the 183 day rule and figured the only explanation was she miscalculated. After several emails to migraciones and 2 video chats we were told in fact she was wrong and that my husband still had over 90 days available but there was nothing that could be done. Since Tourist Visa extensions are no longer given and that he needs more than 30 days to complete his paperwork he cant apply for his Rentista Visa on an expired Tourist Visa. His only option is to leave the country and come back in hoping the next immigration officer at the airport calculates correctly.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 22/11/2022
      @Tania Hello Tania,

      Sorry, I didn’t connect the dots when you wrote last month. But it’s great to hear that you got your Peruvian nationality, including passport and DNI so easily and you are now officially Peruvian. Congrats!

      So, if I understand correctly, you and your husband are both now in Peru; you hopefully as a Peruvian and your husband wants to apply for the retirement visa, but can’t because he doesn’t have his criminal record check and his stay as a tourist expires soon as the immigration officer only gave you 30 days, which by the way is ridiculous, but nothing can be done about it anymore. Correct?

      First of all, if you are in Peru as a Peruvian, your husband as well could apply for a family visa. The criminal record requirement for both resident visas is the same, but instead of the letter confirming his pension, he only would need a Peruvian marriage certificate; so it would be necessary that you register your marriage either at a Peruvian consulate or at Reniec. Even though the family visa offers a few perks compared to the retirement visa, assuming you haven’t registered your marriage with a Peruvian authority, I think that would complicate matters even more. For now, the retirement visa might be the better option if only the criminal record check is missing. If at a later date you decide the family visa is the better option, he could later change to a family visa.

      For now back to the retirement visa. If your husband got 30 days when he entered, then his stay as a tourist is valid until November 27. So, November 27 is the last day he could apply. Do you have all other documents necessary for the retirement visa application? Is only the criminal record check missing? Nothing else?

      If so, then there might be an option for him to apply without having to leave the country and return with another immigration officer probably giving him trouble, even though he doesn’t have his criminal record check.

      On the last day his stay as a tourist is still valid (better the day before that, so November 26), he could apply on the Agencia Digital as described above under “Finally, applying for a retirement visa in Peru”.

      On the second page of the retirement visa application, most fields are mandatory. There he must, for example, upload the letter of the pension fund or the PDF of the Ficha from Interpol and the criminal record check. As he won’t have his criminal record check, but must upload something to continue, he could, however, upload the Ficha a second time (which another user just recently did and shared with us) or a letter saying “Sorry, still waiting for the criminal record check from my home country, but had to apply before my stay as a tourist runs out”. If he fills in all other necessary fields / upload all other required documents, he can continue with the application process and submit his application with no further problems.

      But, and this is super important, he must check his Buzon every day. Migraciones will send a notification (which depending on their workload might take anything between a few days to even a couple of months) requesting that he uploads the criminal record check usually within 10 days.

      When he gets this notification, he must react latest on the last day of this deadline. If by then he has his criminal record check, he can just upload it. If he still doesn’t have it, he can apply for an extension of the deadline (usually for an additional 30 days).

      The process might sound a little bit intimidating, but while this option is a little loophole, it's legit and allows your husband to apply for his retirement shortly before his stay as a tourist expires without having to leave and trying to re-enter.

      If you need further information about the process or have any doubts, let me know.

      All the best
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 22/11/2022
      @Tania I just re-read your comment. Not sure anymore if you have the criminal record check but something else, such as the Ficha, is still missing. The process works with other documents not ready to upload as well.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Sean · 16/11/2022
    Hi Eva,

    Are there businesses that guide and get you through the visa process or do we have to do it alone? If yes, do you have any recommendations for an agency to work with?

    Thanks,
    Sean
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 16/11/2022
      @Sean Hello Sean,

      The aim of this article about the retirement visa and many others here on LimaEasy is that you can easily do the complete application on your own. If you follow this guide, you won’t need anyone.

      But, yes, there are immigration lawyers and so-called tramitadores who help with the application process in Peru. You should, however, be aware that they can’t support you getting necessary documents from your home country (in case of the retirement visa, you must get your criminal record check and the pension statement incl. Apostille on your own in your home country).

      They then can make the payment for the Interpol clearance and set up the Interpol appointment for you, but you have to go there on your own (as far as I know, since Covid only the applicant is allowed inside). They further can make the payments for your application and later your carné and fill in the online forms, check if you get notifications, make an appointment for getting the biometrical data taken and make an appointment for picking up your carné (but as above, as far as I know, since Covid only the applicant is allowed inside the Migraciones building).

      Anyway, no, we do not recommend any immigration lawyer or tramitador anymore. We had to learn the hard way that skills, knowledge, work ethic, reliability, punctuality, and the fees for offered service often aren’t consistent. Therefore, we refrain from any recommendations.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    James · 15/11/2022
    Can we apply for citizenship after living in Peru for two years with a Pension/Retirement Visa?  I ask because it seems that laws or rules have recently changes since October of 2022.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 15/11/2022
      @James Hello James,

      Laws and rules constantly change in Peru, but most of these changes or modifications are irrelevant for foreigners. When I hear October 2022, the only important change that comes to mind is the Decreto Supremo 130-2022-PCM, which ended all Corona regulations and restrictions. So, I’m not sure which laws and rules you are referring to, as the DS 130 has nothing to do with a retirement visa or the naturalization process.

      As far as I know, the two laws/regulations (the Peruvian Nationality Law and the Supreme Decree 002-2021-IN) that are in place to determine the requirements to get the Peruvian citizenship through naturalization didn’t change. But I might have missed something. In July 2022, the TUPA, the administrative procedure stipulating the handling of applications, so the instruction manual for Migraciones, was updated with slight changes.

      Anyway, as already described below I can’t answer your question, if you can apply for the Peruvian nationality through naturalization as a rentista, 100% accurately. While the laws and regulations are quite clear, their interpretation and how they are executed seems to change now and then. However, I do my best to explain the relevant laws, share my interpretation of them and the experience of others trying to become a naturalized Peruvian on a rentista visa recently.

      According to the Ley de Nacionalidad (Decreto Supremo 004-97-IN) foreigners who want to be naturalized not only must have lived in Peru for two consecutive years (see article 3a), but also must have practiced a profession, art, trade, or business activity (see article 3b); in short must have paid taxes in Peru. As a foreigner who is legally in Peru as a rentista, you are strictly prohibited from doing that. You aren’t allowed to work in Peru and can’t receive any kind of renumeration in Peru as rentista; and you don’t have to pay taxes in Peru on your pension income. So, as a rentista you can’t meet this fundamental condition as stipulated in the Nationality Law.

      Additionally, when applying for Peruvian citizenship through naturalization (other rules apply, if you are married to a Peruvian, for example), you must prove an annual income of at least 10 UITs (in 2022 that’s S/ 46,000), which allows you to live independently in Peru (see Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN, page 53, article 9e).

      In the same article 9 from a-g you find all general requirements everyone who qualifies must fulfill. Starting with h (or on the Peruvian government website) the specific requirements depending on the visa type on which you live in Peru are listed. There only calidad migratoria de religioso, calidad migratoria de trabajador dependiente, calidad migratoria de inversionista and calidad migratoria de trabajador independiente are mentioned; not the calidad migratoria de rentista. Different rules apply to foreigners who are married to a Peruvian or who have made special contributions to the country.

      With this being said, in my opinion as a rentista you can’t apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization as a rentista.

      But, in the years before Corona, some immigration lawyers somehow managed that Migraciones a) didn’t ask for proof that the applying rentista pursued a profession in Peru and b) accepted the pension payment as income. I know a few foreigners who applied for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization after having lived in Peru for 2 years on a rentista visa, who were approved and received their Peruvian nationality.

      However, at the end of last year I was in contact with a foreigner who is living in Peru since 2018 as a rentista. After the Covid lockdowns and with life slowly returning more or less to normal, he finally wanted to apply for his Peruvian nationality, which back in 2018, his lawyer and Migraciones confirmed wasn’t a problem after living in Peru for 2 years. But when he got in contact again with Migraciones to ask about current requirements, he was told that as a rentista he can’t apply for the Peruvian nationality.

      Anyway, things change in Peru, sometimes without being made public or with no one really catching it. So, I might have missed something or my interpretation is outdated / wrong. From time to time, it also depends on how a certain law is interpreted in general or how the person handling your application interprets it. So, even though the replies you usually get from Migraciones can be quite “creative” maybe just get in contact with them, ask if you can apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization as rentista and hope for the best. Maybe the interpretation or execution of the law changed again and you are lucky.

      I wish you all the best

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jonathan Kiehle · 05/11/2022
    For the $18 payment to the FBI. Can’t I just get an international money order in the US and bring it with me?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 05/11/2022
      @Jonathan Kiehle Hello Jonathan,

      Honestly, I don’t know, but I don’t think so. The international money order you need is to send money from Peru to the FBI in the US.

      On our Interpol article, we just recently had someone who asked if it might be possible to pay the US$18 directly online via the FBI secure payment portal. Here as well, I don’t know if Interpol in Peru accepts the payment and suggest checking with Interpol Peru to avoid wasting time and money.

      Sorry.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Matt · 03/03/2023
      @Jonathan Kiehle I think that would be preferable as the FBI returned my $18 USD Peruvian money order because it was "not payable through a US bank". Interpol in Peru only verifies that you have the required documents and gives you an envelope to mail the forms and payment to the US.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Tania · 26/10/2022
    Hello,

    Your article and very helpful advice was a great asset in acquiring the Rentista Visa for my husband in 2020. Unfortunately we got caught in the first phase of the pandemic in Peru and decided to return to the U.S. to be with family and ride it out there. Because we stayed outside of Peru for more than 6 months we have to start the process over. I was reviewing your article to see if any requirements have changed since 2020. One that seems new is the police type clearance that you mention. In 2020 my husband did the interpol clearance in Peru and we remember having to send some kind of document back to the FBI or something thru Serpost. The only documents we had to bring with us to Peru was the apostilled pension paper. So then is this a new step, bringing in proof of a clean record from country of origin ? If so it seems that this too must be officially translated in Spanish in Peru like the apostilled pension paper ? Am I understanding this correctly and is there any other changes ?


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 26/10/2022
      @Tania Hello Tania,

      Thank you for your kind words. It’s always good to hear that our articles are helpful.

      And yes, in August 2021, some Migraciones procedures and requirements for resident visa applications changed.

      For retirees like you this means that next to the letter/confirmation from your pension fund or social security stating that you receive a monthly income of at least US$ 1000 which must be apostilled in your case in the US and then, once you are in Peru, be translated into Spanish by an official translator, you as US national additionally must bring an FBI Criminal Record Check proving you have a clean criminal record, as well apostilled and once in Peru translated by an official translator.

      Then, before you can apply for your retirement visa (accurately before you can change your immigration status from tourist to retiree) you must pay Interpol in Peru a visit to get the ficha de canje which is a document certifying that you aren’t an internationally wanted fugitive. Furthermore, the US government/the FBI requests from Interpol Peru that an additional check is done for which you need the money order and must be send back and forth (the one you remember).

      According to Interpol Peru, this additional check has nothing to do with issuing the ficha de canje, but as well is not the same as the FBI Criminal Record Check you must present at Migraciones when applying for your retirement visa.

      So, bring from the US your passport, the apostilled pension letter, and the apostilled FBI check. All the other requirements (interpol ficha, payment receipt, sworn statement and application form) can be done in Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva

      P.S. Just one little remark. You said in 2020 your husband went to Interpol. You not? How are you planning to stay in Peru? Depending on the resident visa you apply for you most probably need an FBI record check as well and might need a recent copy of your marriage certificate (of course as well apostilled and translated).
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Mato · 15/09/2022
    Hello. Thank you for the article.

    I am wondering if it is possible to apply for Peruvian citizenship after two years of residing in Peru on the rentista visa. From my research I am not sure if I don’t have to reside in Peru for two years as a permanent resident in order to be able to apply for citizenship, or if I can do so immediately after the two years on rentista visa. 

    Thank you for your help.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 15/09/2022
      @Mato Hello Mato,

      I can’t answer your question 100% accurately. While the laws and regulations are quite clear, their interpretation and how they are executed seems to change now and then. However, I can explain the corresponding laws, share my interpretation of them and the experience of others trying to become a naturalized Peruvian on a rentista visa recently.

      According to the Ley de Nacionalidad (Decreto Supremo 004-97-IN) foreigners who want to be naturalized not only must have lived in Peru for two consecutive years (see article 3a), but also must have practiced a profession, art, trade, or business activity (see article 3b); in short must have paid taxes in Peru. As a foreigner who is legally in Peru as a rentista, you are strictly prohibited from doing that. You aren’t allowed to work in Peru and can’t receive any kind of renumeration in Peru as rentista; and you don’t have to pay taxes in Peru on your pension income. So, as a rentista you can’t meet this fundamental condition as stipulated in the Nationality Law.

      Additionally, when applying for Peruvian citizenship through naturalization (other rules apply, if you are married to a Peruvian, for example), you must prove an annual income of at least 10 UITs (in 2022 that’s S/ 46,000), which allows you to live independently in Peru (see Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN, page 53, article 9e).

      In the same article 9 from a-g you find all general requirements everyone who qualifies must fulfill. Starting with h (or on the Peruvian government website) the specific requirements depending on the visa type on which you live in Peru are listed. There only calidad migratoria de religioso, calidad migratoria de trabajador dependiente, calidad migratoria de inversionista and calidad migratoria de trabajador independiente are mentioned; not the calidad migratoria de rentista. Different rules apply to foreigners who are married to a Peruvian or who have made special contributions to the country.

      With this being said, in my opinion as a rentista you can’t apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization as a rentista.

      But, in the years before Corona, some immigration lawyers somehow managed that Migraciones a) didn’t ask for proof that the applying rentista pursued a profession in Peru and b) accepted the pension payment as income. I know a few foreigners who applied for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization after having lived in Peru 2 years on a rentista visa, who were approved and received their Peruvian nationality.

      However, at the end of last year I was in contact with a foreigner who is living in Peru since 2018 as a rentista. After the Covid lockdowns and with life slowly returning more or less to normal, he finally wanted to apply for his Peruvian nationality, which back in 2018 his lawyer and Migraciones confirmed wasn’t a problem after living in Peru for 2 years. But when he got in contact again with Migraciones to ask about current requirements, he was told that as a rentista he can’t apply for the Peruvian nationality.

      Anyway, things change in Peru, sometimes without being made public or without anyone really catching it. From time to time, it also depends on how a certain law is interpreted in general or how the person handling your application interprets it. So, even though the replies you usually get from Migraciones can be quite “creative” maybe just get in contact with them, ask if you can apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization as rentista and hope for the best. Maybe the interpretation or execution of the law changed again and you are lucky.

      And, one last little note: you can’t change your immigration status from rentista to permanent resident as with the rentista visa you already get a residency with indefinite validity.

      I wish you all the best

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Matej · 24/09/2022
      @Sunflower Hello Eva,

      Thank you so much for your comprehensive and informative response.

      I wish you the best,
      Matej.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Victor · 02/09/2022
    Hello. Thanks for all the great info. My question deals with Peruvian born but Naturalized American….returning to Peru. I have a U.S. passport and a U.S. pension. I’m wondering if I could enter Peru as a tourist then apply for citizenship based on my birth certificate. I’m also concerned about paying taxes on pension funds being deposited in a Peruvian bank. Countries like Colombia tax 40% of pension funds from abroad. 
    Thanks again for the info!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 02/09/2022
      @Victor Hello Victor,

      You were born in Peru and have a Peruvian birth certificate, so as long as you never renounced your Peruvian nationality, you are still Peruvian, even though you might additionally have a US passport and a US pension.

      So, my question is, did you ever officially renounce your Peruvian nationality?

      If you have renounced your Peruvian nationality, you can enter Peru as a tourist and then start the process of recuperating your Peruvian nationality (“Solicitar la recuperación de la nacionalidad peruana”).

      If you haven’t renounced your Peruvian nationality, then you are still Peruvian and don’t have to apply for citizenship in Peru. But you have to get your Peruvian documents in order. Peruvians who next to the Peruvian nationality have another one (in your case from the US) are advised to enter and leave Peru only with their Peruvian passport.

      Anyway, you now have two options:

      - Get in contact with the nearest Peruvian consulate. They can explain the process in detail. In short: first you have to apply for your DNI at the consulate. Once you have your DNI, then you can apply for your Peruvian passport at the consulate.

      - Or enter Peru as a tourist, which, according to the Peruvian Nationality Law, shouldn’t be doneby Peruvians. Once in Peru, pay Reniec a visit and apply for your DNI. When you have your DNI, apply for your Peruvian passport at Migraciones.

      Regarding your tax question. Honestly, I’m anything but a money / tax expert and highly recommend asking someone with more knowledge. But my first question would be why you want to deposit your US pension (fund?) into a Peruvian bank account? It might be wiser to leave it in the US and then either transfer what you need to a Peruvian account or withdraw from an ATM. If you officially have your pension transferred to a Peruvian bank account, I don’t know how Sunat will categorize it, especially as it doesn’t fit into the “foreign income” category (there depending on the amount taxes of either 8%, 14%, 17%, 20% or 30% have to be paid on it) and not in the “Peruvian pension” category. Additionally, when I understood you correctly, we are not talking about a monthly pension payment, but a one-time pension fund payment. So, sorry, I really don’t know.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Victor Chavez · 02/09/2022
      @Sunflower That’s very helpful, thank you. I don’t recall ever renouncing a citizenship, however my mother may have dove it for me. I don’t know. I think probably they will tell me when I go to the Peruvian Embassy to apply for my DNI. I am presently living in Colombia so I’ll need to go to Bogota. 
      I do receive a monthly pension check from the US and, at least in Colombia, it’s so much easier to live with a local bank account then have to live with removing cash from ATMs for everything from rent to car payments. It’s why I asked. If I have to I’ll I live from ATM withdrawals. :)
      Thank you
      Best help I received yet!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 03/09/2022
      @Victor Chavez Hello Victor,

      Yes, I think it’s best to talk to someone at the consulate, first to find out if they somehow can find out if your mother ever renounced your Peruvian nationality and then if they think it’s better to apply for your DNI (and after that your passport) at the consulate or in Peru.

      But be aware that you only get up to 90 days in case you enter Peru as a tourist. As it might take a while to get an appointment at Reniec and as there might be delays or the one or other hurdle to conquer, time could be an issue. But it’s doable. Although many, many years ago, my husband in a similar situation as yours entered as a tourist, got a new copy of his birth certificate at the municipality he was registered, went to Reniec with all other necessary documents and within days had his DNI.

      And yes, in Peru as well it’s much easier to have a local bank account and if you are Peruvian, you get one with no problems; but this doesn’t mean that your retirement payment has to be directly (!) deposited it in. Anyway, as said before, I’m not an expert when it comes to money, banks and taxes. Sorry. And probably it’s not even necessary to look for other options. The point is how Sunat will categorize your retirement income. Do they put it in the “foreign income” category, where it doesn’t really fit, then you have to pay taxes as mentioned in my comment above. But in case they accept it as official retirement income, which, when I remember correctly, is not taxed in Peru, all is good.

      I hope everything works out for you.

      All the best
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Carlos · 06/08/2022
    For a Rentista Visa, Will Peru Immigrations will deny a visa for ANY FBI Criminal Record?  I only have a one-time, one night arrest without conviction for just being too loud, an oral argument with my brother, one of my indiscretions as a youth, more than 30 years ago.  There were not charges whatsoever, but it will still show up in my FBI Criminal Record.  I'd think that I wouldn't deny a visa just for that, will I?  Or do you need to be a perfect saint to live in Peru? 

    Also, if I get a Rentista Visa, can I still work in the Internet if I am paid in the US directly to my US bank?  Will this be allowed?  If allowed, would they ask me to pay Peruvian income taxes on it?

    Thanks, 

    CMC
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 06/08/2022
      @Carlos Hello Carlos,

      The Peruvian law requires a “clean” criminal record. So, I honestly don’t know, if a resident visa application is denied because of an arrest 30 years ago that didn’t lead to a conviction. I highly doubt it.

      Additionally, are you sure this arrest will show up on your FBI check? I’m not a US citizen, don’t know the exact laws and never have seen an FBI criminal background check. As far as I read, it doesn’t provide a full background history from the start of your adult life and only checks your criminal history of the last seven years (somewhere else I found 11 years). Furthermore, arrests that didn’t lead to conviction seems to be not always included. Even though most arrests are public record and could show up on your background check, some states restrict access to arrest information, while other destroy or omit information in case the claim was dismissed, or the arrested person found not guilty. So, probably these little “indiscretions as a youth” is long gone.

      To get the rentista visa you must present a letter from your pension fund or social security stating that you receive a monthly pension / benefits of at least US$ 1000. Income from work is not accepted.

      Once you have your retirement visa, you are officially not allowed to work in Peru for a Peruvian company earning a Peruvian income which is deposited in a Peruvian bank account. So, you can’t pay income tax in Peru because you are not allowed to make any money in Peru.

      However, even though a bit of a grey zone, you could work online for a, for example, US company earning US$ which are deposited in a US account and are taxed in the US.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Naima · 21/07/2022
    Hello,
    First, thank you for the quality of information shared here. It is thorough and answers many questions I was awfully confused about on the gob.pe site. I had in fact emailed them with an inquiry on starting the Solicitar calidad migratoria para rentista residente. Their response included advice that the procedure must be carried out through the virtual migration platform. Perhaps based on the new Migration TUPA, or the fact that Peru does not have a consulate in Nigeria. 
    There are conditions that apply and of course, the requirements here: https://www.gob.pe/12875-solicitar-calidad-migratoria-para-rentista-residente

    I've got all documentation, but I'm back at the start of Migraciones Agencia Digital, where I still hit the brick wall - I am not in the system. The instruction is to download the Enrolmiento Moviles Migraciones app and scan the platform's QR code to upload a photo and signature. I have searched through the National Superintendency of Migrations site for a QR code without success.

    I wonder if I am missing something. Otherwise, are there any experiences of applicants applying through the virtual migration platform, outside of Peru (territory) and without going through a consulate?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 21/07/2022
      @Naima Hello Naima,

      You cannot apply through the Agencia Digital, if you are not in Peru. You must have entered the country, so you are in the system even if it’s as a tourist.

      The Enrolmiento Moviles Migraciones app was intended during Covid restrictions to get the biometrical data of applicants, but for a few months now it isn’t used anymore and Migraciones takes the fingerprints, photo and signature in person during the resident visa approval process.

      As Nigerian you cannot enter Peru visa-free, so you need a visa before being allowed to come to Peru, which leaves you with two options, and both involve a Peruvian consulate:

      - Apply for your retirement visa at a Peruvian consulate. The nearest one is in Accra, Ghana. But I heard they don’t issue resident visas anymore, only temporary visas such as tourist or business visas. But as your circumstances might be different, nothing wrong with asking there.

      - Apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate, then travel to Peru and once there get your Interpol clearance and apply through the Agencia Digital as described above.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Nick · 22/06/2022
    Hi,
    I am travelling to Lima in Sept2022 to volunteer for three months and longer if I can extend my stay.I presume I travel visa free being British with UK passport for 90 days,could I extend this to 183days on my arrival and if so where can I do this?
    cheers
    nick
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 22/06/2022
      @Nick Hello Nick,

      Not sure how you ended up here on the retirement visa article.

      No, you can’t extend your “tourist visa” - it isn’t a “real” tourist visa but an “authorization to enter as a tourist” which you get upon arrival in Peru - beyond the 90 days anymore. According to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, most nationalities can only stay 90 days in a 183-day period as a tourist in Peru. For detailed info, have a look at our article “Tourist visa extension in Peru”.

      If you want to stay longer than the 90 days, you could overstay your welcome and pay a fine of S/ 4.60 per overstayed day when leaving. As you are illegally in the country as soon as your tourist visa expires, we can’t recommend this option. However, usually you don’t have to fear any reprisal when overstaying.

      Another option is to leave Peru and return a couple of days later. According to reports from other travelers, most only got 3 to 30 days when returning via Jorge Chavez International airport and between 15 and 30 days at the Chile and Bolivia land border. So, not really an option.

      The third option could be to apply for a temporary resident visa (such as temporary student visa, temporary work visa, temporary art visa, temporary journalist visa, etc.) which is good for one year, however requirements are steep and you have to go through the normal resident visa application process which at the moment, at least in Lima, takes many months.

      Greetings
      Eva

      P.S. Please note: all mentioned above is based on the current visa regulations; as far as I’m aware, an update should be published somewhere around the beginning of July. So, there might be some minor or major changes.

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